STARWOOD Hotels and Resorts is expecting its properties in Thailand to register a positive performance in 2011, with even better results in 2012, as the hotel chain continues to expand its portfolio in the country.

The chain’s 16 operating hotels in Thailand recorded either improved or similar results in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period last year, according to its sales and marketing regional director for Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, James Ramage.

“Business is slowly coming back to Thailand,” he said. “While there’s a soft situation in European arrivals, there is increasing growth from the emerging China and India markets, as well as a potential to grow the business from within the country.”

Ramage said Starwood would seek to attract the high-end leisure and business segments out of China and India through the expanded presence of the chain’s brands in Thailand.

By the end of the year, Starwood will have eight of its nine hotel brands in Thailand, with the exception of its Element brand. The chain opened its 16th property in the country, The St Regis Bangkok, on April 1 and is slated to launch the Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 in October.

Last year, it opened Westin Siray Bay Resort and Spa, Phuket, W Retreat and Residences, Samui and Four Points by Sheraton, Sukhumvit 15.